Hawkwind – Liverpool O2 Academy – 10th December 2010
For forty years guitarist Dave Brock has led his ever changing crew of space travellers. Originators of spacerock, the band have evolved over the years but have always managed to leave their unique stamp on things. Trailblazing since the late '60s, they have produced album after album of unique extraterrestrial sounds and innovative live performances and since the introduction of topless dancer Stacia into their shows in the early 1970's, the band has incorporated dancers in their live sets. As if the music, lighting, sound effects and music weren't enough, the dancers complete the jigsaw; a cross between a concert and a visit to the theatre.
Always welcome in Liverpool, Hawkwind appeared on stage to a roaring reception. Dave Brock, strapped up with guitar, took up position behind his workstation of keyboard, song sheets and other paraphernalia (a position he rarely appeared from throughout the evening). Mr Dibbs wasn't as shy, immediately strutting to the front of the stage dressed like an inter-galactic storm trooper and belting out thunderous sounds on his bass guitar. The intro of 'Blood Of The Earth' and 'You Shouldn't Do That' was accompanied by the first appearance of the evening of the twin dancers. The crowd watched on as Brock and Co weaved their sounds to the backdrop of projected psychedelic images, light show and the strutting and posing of the dancers.
Tim Blake on keyboards was exceptional; steadying the ship when the improvised wanderings veered too far from the set course. The dancers appeared in various guises during the set; as stilt walkers, they were quite impressive! The newer material was covered but the extensive back catalogue enabled them to cherry pick the gems that have stood out over the years. Highlights included 'Spirit Of The Age', 'Angel Of Death', 'Brainstorm' and 'Tide Of The Century'. The mainly middle age audience was very animated; often shouting out requests for their favourite songs, often just content with soaking up the atmosphere of the whole experience. Remarkably, Hawkwind has managed to keep to their formulae over the years without having to venture too far. The newer material sounds fresh and the older songs sound as good as ever.
The obligatory encore included 'Fahrenheit 451', 'Better Believe It', 'Starship' and 'Visions'. With beaming smiles on their faces, the crowd dispersed with enough fresh material to add to their fading memories of the band over the years.